On April 18, 2013, at approximately 1:00 PM, Milpitas Police Department detectives, with the assistance of the Milpitas Police Department SWAT team, executed a search warrant at a residence on the 700 block of Tramway Drive for an illegal marijuana cultivation investigation. The residence had been converted into a marijuana grow operation. A search of the residence revealed over 100 marijuana plants, grow lights, ventilation equipment and other growing accessories. The seized marijuana has a street value of more than $100,000.00.

The suspects bypassed the PG&E meter and were stealing electricity to support their operation. Tinh Truong of Milpitas, and Hiep Ha of San Jose were arrested by officers when they returned to the residence. Both suspects were later booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail for illegal marijuana cultivation, theft of utilities and possession of marijuana for sales.

The Milpitas Police Department would like to provide the following tips to landlords/neighbors regarding homes possibly being used for the cultivation of marijuana: 1) Tenant paying rent in cash only, 2) Tenant changing locks and not providing access to your property, 3) Tenant doing interior construction work, 4) Tenant is never home, 5) Alteration to utility equipment at the property, 6) Additional ventilation added to the structure, and 7) Odor of marijuana, or sound of fans emitting from the residence.

Anyone with any information regarding this investigation, other marijuana cultivation locations, or other criminal activity occurring in this jurisdiction is encouraged to call the Milpitas Police Department at (408) 586-2400. Information can be given anonymously by calling (408) 586-2500, or via the Milpitas Police Department website at: http://www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov/government/police/crime_tip.asp